When it comes to technology in the classroom, there are a wide variety of apps available to teachers and educators. While some teaching apps are designed for specific subjects or grade levels, others can be used across the curriculum, for instance, flipbook apps.
Some of the most popular teacher apps include Google Classroom, Quizlet, and Khan Academy. Google Classroom is a free app that allows teachers to create and manage digital classrooms. Quizlet is a flashcard app that can be used for studying and reviewing. On the other hand, Khan Academy is a free online resource that offers thousands of educational videos and exercises.
These are just a few of the many education apps for teachers and educators. With so many options to choose from it can be difficult to know which ones are right for you. However, by taking the time to explore the different app options, you can find the ones that best school apps for teachers and educators that fit your needs and help you create a successful learning environment for your students.
This article provides you with a list of useful applications that educators and teachers can use to teach online more effectively. They range from tools for lesson planning and classroom management to general and collaborative learning resources. Short descriptions will be provided and also screenshots of dashboards whenever they are available.
Education Statistics
The impact of COVID-19 on education cannot be overstated. From May 9 to May 15, 2020, 49 U.S. states either closed schools or entire school districts (Peele et al., 2020). By December 3, 2020, only four states have orders to reopen (EW Staff, 2020 in CNN, 2020). They are Texas, Florida, Iowa, and Arkansas. Most states, however, have no order yet to reopen. This means that the decision to reopen rests more or less fully on the districts themselves. This includes schedules, teaching setups, and health protocols.
More likely than not, reopening for most districts and schools would not impose a traditional full face-to-face interaction. A more blended type of education provision is expected. With pandemic fears and trauma still hot, around 16% of parents in the U.S. have reported that they are very likely to seek full-time alternative schooling opportunities for their children (Civic Science, 2020). Another 23% voiced out that they are only somewhat likely to. The majority, at 61%, feel today that they are not all likely to find full-time alternative education for their children.
However, we can expect that many of the 61% expect their districts to exercise prudence when it comes to health and safety protocols. And, to fall within the standards of limiting close physical interactions, a good chunk of class time will likely take place solely online. And online tools that were meant to supplement face-to-face learning like learning management systems (LMS) are to be used mostly in their stead. So, it is important to know which ones can fill a bigger role in the provision of educational services. And, this guide hopes to help you find those.
How can educational apps support personalized learning for students?
Educational apps can significantly enhance personalized learning by offering features that cater to the individual needs of students:
Adaptive learning technology: Many apps use algorithms to adjust the difficulty of tasks based on a student's progress, ensuring that content remains challenging yet accessible.
Customizable learning paths: Some apps allow students to work at their own pace, progressing through topics as they master them, which is ideal for learners at different levels.
Student-driven content: Some apps let students choose topics or areas of interest to explore, fostering self-directed learning and keeping them engaged in their educational journey.
Real-time feedback: Educational apps provide instant feedback, allowing students to learn from their mistakes and adjust their approach immediately.
Differentiated instruction: Teachers can use apps to assign tailored content to students based on their learning needs, ensuring that all students receive the support they require.
These features enable teachers to create a more personalized learning environment, supporting each student's unique pace and learning style.
How Can Document Management Enhance Administrative Efficiency in Education?
Educators often face the challenge of managing a growing volume of digital resources, administrative documents, and student records. Implementing a robust document management strategy can streamline these processes by centralizing storage, ensuring secure access, and simplifying content retrieval. Such solutions also facilitate seamless collaboration among staff, prevent data duplication, and maintain compliance with data privacy regulations. Leveraging an effective software for document management helps educational institutions optimize workflow efficiency and reduce time spent on manual administrative tasks, allowing teachers and administrators to focus on instructional quality and student success.
Pairing Application Stacks and Using Additional Teaching Resources
There you have it. Listed above are the best educational apps for teachers, educational institutions, and school districts to supplement face-to-face instructions or, even fully manage distance learning with the list of the best apps for teachers to teach online included here. The applications listed are some of the most popular tools being used not only in educational institutions but in business enterprises as well. Also, many of them work well together through integrations. Thus, you can use them as a stack to extend each of their capabilities. Once you find the right mix of applications for you, you will be able to build a digital environment that you can use to manage your tasks and relationships within your network.
Furthermore, you can also improve your lesson deliveries by using additional digital teaching resources. You can embed media and materials from these on your notetaking tools or classroom management platforms to share with your peers and students. Here are a few of the best resource sites available:
TED a nonprofit organization known to share conference videos and talks concerning Technology, Entertainment, and Design that covers a wide range of issues from science to art. You can use this to share engaging videos with your students on a wide variety of topics.
Platforms: Web, Windows, iOS, Android, ChromePrice: Free
EDx a platform for online courses and learning, EDx offers free and paid courses from Harvard and MIT. Teachers, educators, and students can enroll in courses to expand their knowledge in a wide array of subject matters from engineering to Shakespeare.
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, ChromePrice: Varies from Course to Course
WolframAlpha a powerful computational knowledge engine, WolframAlpha is an online service that gives answers to factual queries. It uses a computational engine that provides answers from curated external data instead of providing a list of websites. Its AI program provides a range of resources like step-by-step solutions for math problems and tools for exploring languages, among many others.
Platforms: Web, Windows, iOS, Android, Kindle, ChromePricingBasic FreePro $5.49/month billed annuallyPro Premium $9.99/month billed annually
With these tools and your educational applications stack, you will be able to create engaging course content for your students. Moreover, These platforms have lively user communities that offer support to members. Hence, you will be able to gain new insights and learn from other experts in different fields. The adoption of new digital educational applications is a huge part of today’s elearning trends that can transform the face of education. So, for educators who want to provide quality and competitive educational services in the future, it is best to consider adopting digital tools.
The Role of Online Learning PlatForms in Modern Education
Educational technology has reshaped how educators deliver content and engage with their students. A particularly vital tool in this digital transformation is the use of an “online learning platform.” These platforms provide comprehensive solutions to facilitate e-learning, not just for students but also for educators seeking more structured and interactive methods of teaching.
One of the critical advantages of online learning platforms is their ability to centralize instructional materials, assessments, and communication within a single ecosystem. Teachers can design and deliver courses that are both accessible and scalable, ensuring students with different learning needs find the resources they need effortlessly. Moreover, these platforms integrate seamlessly with various tools such as content management systems, video conferencing solutions, and even gamification modules, promoting active learning and collaboration in virtual settings.
Online learning platforms also provide educators with access to analytics for tracking individual and group progress, enabling data-driven decision-making for customized intervention plans. These insights empower teachers to adapt their teaching strategies, ensuring a balance of engagement and educational outcomes for each student.
For teachers looking to build or improve their digital teaching environment, exploring the right online learning platform can save time, optimize resources, and enhance the overall teaching experience. To find a curated selection of the best platforms available today, visit this guide on the online learning platform for comprehensive reviews and insights.
List of Best Apps for Teachers and Educators
This list includes the best educational apps for teachers, divided into different software categories. The software categories are (1) lesson planning applications, (2) classroom management software, (3) notetaking and creative collaboration tools helpful to, among others, constructing complex sentences, (4) communication solutions, and (5) supplemental learning resources. These can help you:
create engaging course materials
collaborate with other faculty and students
manage classroom objectives and activities
keep an open line with students; and
offer extended support by providing additional learning resources
In the next sections, a list of educational apps for teachers will be provided together with core information, including which platforms they are available in, starting price, and key features.
One of the free apps for teachers is MasterConnect. It offers a free Common Core Standards application tailored for every US State Core Standards. It offers teachers resources aligned with both state and Common Core standards. The app allows educators to upload their very own curriculum maps and resources to be shared through a familiar resource pin interface with students.
Planboard is a free online lesson planning and grade book tool. It has an intuitive interface with a familiar social media feel. It allows you to create engaging lesson plans complete with media. And it easily connects your curriculum map with pertinent US state and Canadian provincial standards.
SplashLearn is one of the premier educational apps, earning its place as an indispensable tool for teachers. Designed with educators in mind, SplashLearn is more than just an app: It’s a dynamic teaching assistant. This platform covers a wide range of grade levels, from pre-k to 5th grade, making it versatile for various classroom settings. Its curriculum is comprehensive, catering to math and reading subjects, ensuring teachers have a comprehensive resource. What sets SplashLearn apart is its vast array of over 8,000 resources, such as interactive games, educational worksheets, and live classes, all aligned with common core standards. These engaging materials captivate students and reinforce essential concepts, making learning fun and effective.
An all-in-one class and course management platform, TeacherKit allows educators not only to create and plan their curriculum but also to provide them with collaboration and communication tools in order to keep in touch with peers, students, and parents. The platform has an advanced reporting system complete with features to create a customized grading system. It syncs data across multiple devices and can work offline.
Socrative Pro for Higher Ed and Corporate $99.9/year
Key Features:
Student Understanding Reports and Visualizations
Custom Quiz Creator
Gamification
Personalized Activities
Exit Tickets
Socrative Teacher is one of the best classroom apps for teachers designed to make classroom management fun and efficient. It features gamification modules and advanced student understanding reporting packed inside its intuitive user interface. It has a free version available with limited features. Premium versions are also available for K-12 teachers, higher education faculty, and corporate training professionals. Moreover, Socrative is free for students.
Edsys Teacher App helps teachers manage all class activities and requirements in one single digital hub. It has useful modules for curriculum creation, attendance tracking, and managing assignments and projects, among others. The product also helps stakeholders stay connected with built-in tools for communication and collaboration like its parent-teacher portal. The solution offers a free lifetime subscription, complete with features for School ERP and even a Library Management System. However, its main business is with Indian educational institutions.
One of the best apps for teachers to use in the classroom is Additio. This is an easy-to-use classroom management suite complete with modules for lesson planning, attendance tracking, and rubrics assessment. Its powerful lesson planner allows you to create didactic sessions and units. Plus, it is fitted with communication tools for students and teachers. Moreover, it seamlessly integrates with Microsoft Teams and Google Classroom.
As simple as it is useful, Groovy Grader can be considered the best teaching app for Apple devices. It is a paper grading calculator app designed to help teachers choose the right grade for a student based on the number of quiz questions and the number of correct and incorrect answers. Also, it is customizable to support hundreds of questions. It is lightweight and grades can be configured as whole numbers or include one decimal place.
Core Seesaw Service Free for Teachers, Students, and Parents
Seesaw Plus $120/year
Seesaw for Schools Quote-Based
Key Features:
Creative Notetaking Tools
Family Messaging
Activity Creation, Saving, and Sharing
Scheduled Activity Sharing
Multi-Page Posts
Seesaw is one of the ideal teacher apps for students and educators alike. It is a collaborative education management application designed for teachers, students, and parents to connect. It is fitted with creative notetaking and collaboration tools for highly-visual learning. The platform also provides assessment and communication tools. In this way, stakeholders can be on the same page when it comes to learning progress.
Parent Consent Forms with Electronic Signature Support
Teacher-Parent Communication
Surveys
Attendance Tracking
Reporting and Analytics
Classtree, a product of Singapore-based company Bytters Pte Ltd., provides educators with a safe and easy way to stay in touch with parents. It is a standalone teacher-parent communication platform with a simple and intuitive interface. It supports media sharing, posts, comments, one-on-one chat, and electronic signatures for consent forms.
LiveBoard offers an interactive whiteboard application with classroom features for teachers. Key features include interactive questions, multi-page shared boards, PDF and media embedding, and live collaboration tools. The platform also includes a live presence feature that allows teachers to see whether students are not engaged or away. Plus, LiveBoard integrates with other classroom tools like Google Meet and Zoom.
Edu Group $0.90/user/month for a minimum of 10 users
Key Features:
Collaboration and Voice Chat
Web Video Link Sharing
Shared Folders
Recording
Reporting
Explain Everything Whiteboard is an interactive and collaborative whiteboard app that can be accessed from any device. The platform has an intuitive interface that allows users to write texts, create shapes, and add media like audio and video. It is being used by educators to create highly-visual instructional materials for their students. It also comes with a built-in voice chat and industry-standard security features.
Educreations Whiteboard is an easy-to-use digital interactive whiteboarding solution. It provides users with creative tools that they can use for providing instruction. It is so simple that it can be used as an educational app for kids. Targeted at education professionals and institutions, it features collaboration features like sharing, cloud sync, and feedback mechanisms. The interface has an intuitive and clean design. However, it is only available for Apple devices.
Evernote is a popular rich-text notetaking application. In addition to its simple yet powerful notetaking features, it offers collaborative tools. With the program, educators can share lessons, notes, and ideas with their peers and students. It also sports advanced features like a text search engine for PDFs and Office docs. It automatically syncs your data on multiple devices and allows for template customization.
Notability is another notetaking platform that allows you to combine text, handwriting, and other media to create visual notes. It also has a PDF annotation feature and sharing options. It does this seamlessly through integrations with apps like Google Drive, DropBox, and AirDrop, among others. It also features a visual and audio comment module for better team collaboration.
Amidst the myriad of applications available, UPDF emerges as an indispensable tool tailored specifically for teachers and educators. UPDF offers a comprehensive suite of PDF management capabilities, perfectly suited for handling a wide range of educational materials, from lesson plans to assignments and research papers.
SwifDoo PDF
Platforms: Windows , iOS, Android
Pricing:
Free
$3.3/month
$90.3/perpetual
Key Features:
Read, Edit, Compress, Merge
Conversion, Annotation
OCR
Organize PDF Page
Password-protected PDF Files
AI-Enhanced Summarization, Proofreading, Analysis, and Translation
Amidst the multitude of available applications, SwifDoo PDF stands out as the ultimate solution for seamless PDF management. Tailored to meet the specific needs of teachers and educators, SwifDoo PDF offers a comprehensive suite of features. From effortlessly handling lesson plans to managing assignments and research papers, SwifDoo PDF ensures an efficient and user-friendly experience in the realm of educational materials.
Communication Solutions
Communication solutions have a prime place on the market today, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic. The following list, however, is not restricted to video conferencing and chat applications. They include other apps with vital functions for disseminating and receiving information in a classroom setting.
One top application for communication in a classroom setting is Google Classroom. This highly-regarded application simplifies online teaching and learning with easy classroom management features. Moreover, its communication features include a module to communicate with parents and guardians directly. Furthermore, it is connected to Google Drive and its suite of tools so you would not worry about creating, editing, and sharing important documents and reports. Lastly, it integrates seamlessly with other educational apps.
Google Drive is an all-in-one storage and productivity platform that educators can use to send files, collaborate, make reports, and create presentations, among many other things. Basically, it is an online productivity application that is very similar to Microsoft Office. It comes with different modules, including Google Docs, Spreadsheets, Slides, and Keep. It works perfectly well with Google Classroom and is one of the most used application suites in the world.
Schoology is a popular communication and collaboration platform for educators and schools. It allows teachers to create classroom resources and manage class activities. It is an all-in-one communication software, bringing stakeholders together, including parents and guardians. The software is also customizable, complete with branding controls.
Moodle is another popular communication and collaboration solution created especially for educational institutions. It allows teachers to manage classroom activities like quizzes, projects, and assignments. It supports mass enrollment and has robust multimedia integrations. Being open-source, the platform is free and customizable to your needs.
Enterprise Quote-Based: Implementation Fee and Per User
Key Features:
Manage Learning Goals
Build Communities
Personalize Apps
Student Progress Monitoring
Classroom Discussions and Polls
Edmodo is a top classroom and distance learning management platform. It allows users to create their own community networks and build and manage resources straight from the software. It works on all devices and has an intuitive web application interface that is easy-to-use. Edmodo is also rolling out new features supporting elearning and distance learning initiatives.
Slack is a top communication software used by many types of organizations around the world. The product is easy to use and is reminiscent of a chat platform yet with extended capabilities. It offers conversation channels to facilitate topic- or project-based discussions. Also, it is fitted with tools for setting status updates, mentions, and reactions.
International Calls Prices Vary Based on Region and Country
Microsoft Teams Free (formerly Skype for Business Online) Free
Microsoft 365 Business Standard $10/user/month billed annually
Office 365 E3 $20/user/month billed annually
Key Features:
Instant Messaging
Video Chat and Conferencing
International Phone Calls
File Sharing and Group Screen Sharing
Send Texts
Skype is one of the most popular communication and collaboration applications to date. It has instant messaging, voice calls, and video conferencing features complete with file sharing and group screen sharing capabilities. The platform also allows for international calls. It is free for personal use. However, its business and enterprise plan has been replaced by premium Microsoft Team subscriptions.
What to Consider in Choosing the Best Apps For Teachers and Educators
There is no question that there are barriers to technology adoption, such as ineffective communication among others. Many of these come from the majority of online students themselves at 69%. And stakeholder perceptions are the main drivers of initial adoption success. The two main factors include: (a) perceived usefulness and (b) perceived ease-of-use (Panigrahi, Srivastava, and Sharma, 2018).
They form the two-pronged usefulness-usability requirement for excellent user experience design. This, though, depends on not just how technological tools like applications are designed but also on the level of user expertise and their needs. This is pretty much a highly-nuanced situation. However, there are general things to consider when choosing the best apps for teachers and educators to use. And they all fall in between usefulness and usability.
When it comes to distant learning delivery, as much as 24% of students are concerned that the quality of instruction and support might not exactly match its traditional counterpart. This is understandable, given that many students could be opting for that route for the first time in their student lives.
The first two things that you need to consider when finding apps for teachers are your needs and budget. This will be the case when you are either part of an institution or going at it alone. You first need to determine what outcomes and benchmarks do you want to hit, then scout for software for teachers that can help you do so with relative ease. Of course, this ties up together with your budget, which you do not want to go over. Given these two criteria, you will be able to cut down on the number of prospective software and create a shortlist.
Then, you need to consider the scalability of features and support. Your needs may start out small at first but they may grow and branch out. For instance, a free version of a notetaking software only supports collaboration for up to five users and this is good for collaborating with your fellow teachers on lesson plans. However, when you want to have your class work collaboratively on a single project, then this might not be enough.
So, whether you are teaching at a community school or managing Caltech academic programs, you need to take into account what your projected needs are and find a software product that can scale to match.
Lastly, but not least important, you need to make sure that the software solutions you purchase or use are highly usable. This means that you and other prospective users will find it easy to adopt at the get-go. The best apps for teachers and educators do not only have comprehensive features but they house these features in a very intuitive interface. A well-built user-friendly interface will nudge new users to give the product a try. Also, it makes the software enjoyable to use. Choosing a good usable and useful platform can be a lot of help.
When you consider these factors beforehand, you will be able to pare down your scouted software list. And, this will help you ensure that the digital tools you choose are both highly usable and useful. It also helps if you check out the best platforms for validated reviews and leads before you make a purchase so that you can learn more about what fellow users think of your prospective platform.
Key Insights
Versatile Tools for Diverse Needs: The range of apps available for educators spans various functions including lesson planning, classroom management, communication, and creative collaboration. This diversity allows teachers to find tools that cater to specific needs and teaching styles.
Enhanced Engagement and Learning: Apps like Google Classroom, Quizlet, and Khan Academy facilitate interactive and engaging learning experiences. These tools support diverse learning modalities, helping students understand and retain information better.
Seamless Classroom Management: Classroom management apps such as
TeacherKit and Socrative offer features for attendance tracking, behavior monitoring, and interactive quizzes, making it easier for teachers to manage classroom activities and student performance.
Collaboration and Communication: Platforms like Google Drive, Schoology, and Edmodo enable effective communication and collaboration among teachers, students, and parents. These tools ensure that everyone stays informed and engaged in the learning process.
Flexibility and Scalability: Many educational apps provide scalable features that can grow with the needs of the classroom. For instance, apps like Planboard and LiveBoard offer both free and premium versions, catering to different levels of usage and requirements.
User-Friendly Interfaces: The best educational apps are designed with intuitive interfaces that facilitate easy adoption and use, minimizing the learning curve for teachers and student
Support for Hybrid Learning: With the ongoing impact of COVID-1 many apps have adapted to support hybrid learning environments, ensuring that education can continue seamlessly whether in-person oronline.
Comprehensive Educational Resources: Apps like SplashLearn and TED provide a wealth of resources that teachers can use to enhance their lesson plans and offer additional learning opportunities for students.
FAQ
What are the benefits of using educational apps in the classroom? Educational apps enhance engagement, improve classroom management, facilitate collaboration, and provide access to a wide range of resources. They
support diverse learning styles and can make lessons more interactive and effective.
How do I choose the right educational app for my classroom? Consider your specific needs and budget, the scalability of the app’s features, and the usability of its interface. It's also helpful to read reviews and possibly test out the app with a free version if available.
Can educational apps be used for both in-person and online learning? Yes,
many educational apps are designed to support both in-person and online learning environments. Apps like Google Classroom, Moodle, and Edmodo are particularly effective for hybrid learning setups.
Are there free educational apps available for teachers? Yes, there are many free educational apps available, such as Google Classroom, Planboard, and Evernote. These free versions often come with essential features, and premium versions with additional functionalities are also available.
How can educational apps improve collaboration in the classroom? Apps like Google Drive and Schoology offer tools for real-time collaboration on documents, projects, and assignments. They also provide communication channels for teachers, students, and parents to stay connected and work together effectively.
What should I look for in an educational app’s user interface? A good user interface should be intuitive and easy to navigate. Look for apps that offer clear instructions, simple navigation, and a layout that is not cluttered. This makes it easier for both teachers and students to adopt and use the app effectively.
Can educational apps track student progress and performance? Yes, many educational apps come with features that allow teachers to track student progress and performance. Apps like Socrative and TeacherKit offer detailed reports and analytics to help teachers monitor and assess student learning.
How do educational apps support creative collaboration? Apps like Explain Everything Whiteboard and LiveBoard provide interactive whiteboards and creative tools that allow students and teachers to collaborate on visual projects and presentations, enhancing creativity and engagement in the classroom.
Are there educational apps that integrate with other teaching tools? Yes, many educational apps are designed to integrate seamlessly with other tools. For example, Google Classroom integrates with Google Drive, and Edmodo can connect with various other educational resources and platforms.
How can educational apps help with lesson planning? Lesson planning apps like Planboard and SplashLearn offer templates, curriculum maps, and resources that help teachers create structured and engaging lesson plans. These tools often include features for media uploads, progression monitoring, and standards alignment.
References
CNN (2020, December 3). Map: Where schools are reopening in the US. CNN.
Cooke, S. (2020, July 8). More than one-third of parents not comfortable with a fall return to school. CivicScience.
Education Week Staff (2020, December 10). Map: Where are schools closed? Education Week.
Panigrahi, R., Srivastava, P. R., & Sharma, D. (2018). Online
learning: Adoption, continuance, and learning outcome—A review of
literature. International Journal of Information Management, 43, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2018.05.005
Peele, H., Riser-Kositsky, M., & EW Staff (2020, December 7). Map: Coronavirus and school closures in 2019-2020. Education Week.
In evaluating SaaS software, a comprehensive and structured methodology
ensures a fair and accurate comparison across key metrics.
This approach focuses on the most critical aspects that affect user
experience, functionality, and business value.
The following metrics—general features, cost, customer service, integrations,
and mobile support—are evaluated to provide a holistic
view of each software solution’s strengths and weaknesses. These metrics
are selected based on their direct impact on software
usability, scalability, and long-term effectiveness for businesses.
General Features (40%)
This metric evaluates the core functionalities and tools the software offers.
It involves assessing the comprehensiveness of
the features, their relevance to the target users, and the ease of use.
This is important because robust and well-designed
features determine the software’s overall utility
and efficiency in solving user problems.
Cost (15%)
Cost analysis focuses on pricing models, value for money, and scalability.
It’s crucial to evaluate whether the software’s
features justify its price, considering different plans for small and
large organizations. This is vital for businesses to
ensure they invest in cost-effective solutions that fit their budget.
Customer Service (15%)
This evaluates the responsiveness, quality, and availability of customer
support, including channels like chat, email,
or phone. Good customer service is essential for troubleshooting and
ensuring smooth software usage, which reduces downtime
and frustration for users.
Integrations (15%)
This examines how well the software integrates with third-party tools
(e.g., CRM, payment systems, collaboration apps).
Seamless integrations are key for creating a unified workflow and
enhancing productivity by connecting multiple systems,
which is crucial for operational efficiency.
Mobile Support (15%)
Mobile support assesses the software’s functionality and performance on
mobile devices, including apps and mobile web versions.
With increasing remote work and on-the-go usage, strong mobile
support is critical to ensure users can access and utilize
the software effectively, regardless of location.